Centrelink support for carers: what you're entitled to

If you're providing unpaid care for someone with a serious illness, disability, or age-related frailty, there is financial support available through Centrelink — and most carers are not claiming everything they're entitled to. This guide covers what exists, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply.

Carer Payment — income support while you care

Carer Payment is for people who cannot work full-time because they are providing constant care for someone with a severe disability or illness, or for an adult who is frail aged. It is an income support payment — similar in structure to the Age Pension.

To qualify, all three of these must apply:

• You are providing constant care — daily personal care, supervision, or similar.
• The person you care for meets the care needs assessment. Your GP will need to complete a Care Needs Assessment form (available from Services Australia).
• Your income and assets are within Centrelink thresholds (the same means test that applies to other income support payments).

"Constant care" does not mean you cannot leave the house — it means the person requires daily care and attention at a level that prevents you from working full-time. You can work up to 25 hours per week (including travel and study) and still receive Carer Payment.

How to apply: Call Services Australia on 132 717, or apply online via myGov. You will need your GP to complete the Care Needs Assessment form — ask at your next appointment.

Carer Allowance — a supplementary payment on top

Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment — it is not means tested on assets and is not income tested in the same way as Carer Payment. Many carers who work full-time and earn a good income are still eligible for Carer Allowance.

It is for people who provide daily care and attention to someone with a disability, serious medical condition, or severe illness. You can receive Carer Allowance on top of Carer Payment — or on its own if you do not qualify for Carer Payment. It is paid per care recipient, so if you care for two people, you may be eligible for two Carer Allowance payments.

How to apply: Online via myGov, or call Services Australia on 132 717. You will need a medical report completed by the treating doctor.

Carer Supplement — the annual lump sum

The Carer Supplement is an annual lump sum of $600 paid automatically each July to everyone receiving Carer Payment or Carer Allowance on 1 July. You do not need to apply separately — it is paid automatically. If you receive both Carer Payment and Carer Allowance, you receive $600 for each.

Respite support — taking a break is not optional

Carer burnout is real, well-documented, and preventable. The government funds several forms of respite — but many carers do not know these options exist, or feel guilty taking them. Taking a break is not optional. It is medically necessary, and it makes you a better carer for longer.

Carer Gateway — free support and emergency respite: The Carer Gateway offers free counselling, coaching, and peer support for unpaid carers, plus up to 5 days of emergency respite for carers in crisis. Call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au.

Government-funded residential respite: The person you care for can stay in a residential aged care facility for up to 63 days per year under government-funded respite, while you take a break. This is separate from permanent residential care — it is specifically designed so carers can rest. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to arrange this.

Centrelink Crisis Payment: If you experience an extreme personal crisis — a sudden change in care circumstances, a family emergency — you may be eligible for Centrelink's Crisis Payment. This is a one-off payment equal to one week of your income support rate. Call Services Australia on 132 717 within 7 days of the event.

What to do right now

• Call the Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737 — free support, counselling, and access to emergency respite. This is the first call most carers should make.
• Call Services Australia: 132 717 — to apply for Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, or both.
• Apply online via myGov at my.gov.au — the application process for both Carer Payment and Carer Allowance is available online.
• Ask your GP to complete the Care Needs Assessment form at your next appointment — this is a required step for Carer Payment. The form is available from Services Australia.
• Contact My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 — to arrange government-funded residential respite for the person you care for.